American University: The Formative Years
Dublin Core
Title
American University: The Formative Years
Description
An assortment of documents dating from the 1890s to 1920 relating to the development of American University.
Collection Items
Endorsement of Washington clergymen 17 April 1890
The document includes hand-written notes from eight clergymen in Washington, endorsing the university April 17 1890
Why another university?
In the appeal for $100,000 for purchase of site, John F. Hurst explains that the nation is "in the throes of a new educational era." He urges bequests to "better meet this latest need of American educational life."
To the Businessmen of Washington
Appeal to the businessmen of Washington to pledge funds in subscriptions, with a list of subscribers and the amounts they pledged
Letter from Secretary of State of Maryland to "dear friend" undated
![Letter from Secretary of State of Maryland to "dear friend" undated](https://auomeka.wrlc.org/files/square_thumbnails/52ce527310e362b5f36656582f090803.jpg "Letter from Secretary of State of Maryland to "dear friend" undated")
In an undated "Dear Friend" letter, the Secretary of State of Maryland seeks to raise $100,000 for the College of Law building and another $100,000 for the endowment. He calls the building of a law school "a necessity."
The American University -- An Appeal
In an undated appeal to the members and friends of the Methodist Episcopal Church nationwide, John F. Hurst answers the question, "Why in Washington." He argues that since George Washington forward, statesmen and educators have advocated for a…
Letter from B. F. Leighton to Rev. C. W. Baldwin 6 January 1864
Typed letter from B. F. Leighton to Rev. C. W. Baldwin 1894 January 6, concerning whether to resurvey the university site. A hand-written notation says, "Meeting had and judgment adverse to a resurvey."
Letter from Charles W. Baldwin to B. F. Leighton 4 January 1894
Letter from Charles Baldwin to B. F. Leighton 1894 January 4, reported that at a meeting of American University's executive committee 1893 December 30 a proposal to re-survey the land was referred to A. B. Duvall, B. F. Leighton and Charles W.…
Postcard with caption "Addison-Murdock House on Farm purchased in 1890 for The American University"
![Postcard with caption "Addison-Murdock House on Farm purchased in 1890 for The American University"](https://auomeka.wrlc.org/files/square_thumbnails/f0cba8d2b09f47890a476584a23e6753.jpg "Postcard with caption "Addison-Murdock House on Farm purchased in 1890 for The American University"")
Postcard, undated, features an illustration of the Addison-Murdock House. The house was part of a farm purchased in 1890 for the American University.
Letter from D. J. Howell to Rev. Samuel L. Beiler 17 October 1894
Letter from D. J. Howell to Rev. Samuel L. Beiler, 1894 October 17, requesting that he not do anything "in regard to the appointment of an engineer" until they meet.
Letter from D. J. Howell Rev. Samuel L. Beiler 22 September 1894
Letter from D. J. Howell to Rev. Samuel L. Beiler 1894 September 22 concerning the engineering work he did in surveying the outside boundaries of American University.